Townstone Financial Barry Sturner and Zach Schwartz

Barry and Zach have a candid session covering a variety of topics starting with Barry’s gripes about bureaucracy and red tape. He sheds light on the often complex and frustrating processes that is especially burdensome for individuals and small business.

With a couple of personal victories under his belt this week, Zach shares his recent experience with DIY car and HVAC repairs, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of tackling such tasks without professional help. Who doesn’t love a good fixer-upper story?

But mortgages and real estate remain the heart of the show, as Barry and Zach discuss the latest developments in mortgages and the real estate market. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or simply keeping an eye on market trends, we hope to provide valuable perspective on the current state of real estate and what it means for your wallet.

Tune in for an episode that’s hopefully as educational as it is entertaining. We promise to leave you happier and better informed to navigate the complexities of modern finance and homeownership. 🏡💼

As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

After sharp increases in mortgage rates last week, we’re starting the week with some much-appreciated relief from the market.

But what’s good for mortgage rates may not be good for the overall economy. “Stagflation” is quickly becoming the new economic buzzword, meaning an economy plagued by a combination of inflation AND slower growth.

And we had our 1st official bank failure of the year Friday 4/26, as regulators seized Republic First Bancorp, a troubled Philadelphia lender.

Townstone Financial NMLS#136639 is an Independent Mortgage Broker: that means offer our customers more products, better rates, lower costs, and a higher level of service when compared to the competition.

If you haven’t discovered this for yourself yet, set-up a FREE consultation at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Purchase Mortgages
Refinance Mortgages
Home Equity Lines/Loans
Reverse Mortgages
Don’t settle for less!

Lions and Tigers and 10-year Treasury Yields Surpass 4.5% (Oh My!)
So, what’s the ACTUAL impact on the economy and consumers? As Treasury yields rise, interest rates on consumer loans, such as mortgages and car loans, often increase. This can lead to higher borrowing costs for mortgages, cars, credit cards, and more.
Middle East Tensions get hotter! Escalations between Israel and Iran have already led to a selloff in Iranian currency and stocks, indicating increased market volatility and investor concern over the stability of the region. We expect this to put pressure on oil prices/outflows from emerging markets. Also, is it time to buy some defense stocks like weapon manufacturers?
Real Estate Insights -
Home Prices: Home prices nationwide were up 6.4% year-over-year in February.
Sales Volume: The number of homes sold rose 2.8%, and the number of homes for sale rose 4.9%
Market Predictions: Experts predict a slower rise in home prices this year compared to recent years, but price fluctuations will continue to vary regionally and depend strongly on local market supply.
Market Size: The Residential Real Estate Market in the United States is estimated at USD 2.53 trillion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 2.80 trillion by 2028, 2.04% estimated growth during the forecast period (2023-2028).
These trends indicate a market that is still adjusting to post-pandemic conditions, with a mix of rising prices and increasing sales volume, alongside predictions of a more balanced growth in the coming years.

Just in case you didn’t pay attention in class: Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.
Mortgage rates start the week higher as the 10-year Treasury yield is above 4.4% (highest YTD, but nowhere close to the 5% we saw last October)
Handyman Zach! Replaces his car’s wiper blades/air filter, and Nintendo Joy-Con stick drift fixed by replacing them.
This or That: Barry Vs. Zach
Barry’s favorite: the Chicago Cubs might be finding their groove with a 6-3 record to date, how far does he think they’ll go this year?
Biden’s new plan to reduce student loan balances for approximately 23 million borrowers, is trying to buy votes?
Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday that nonfarm payrolls grew by 303,000 in March, far above expectations, but will we have another downward revision next month as is becoming the norm?
Friendly Reminder: Townstone is a mortgage company NMLS#136639. Purchases, refinances, home equity lines/loans, reverse mortgages. Low rates, low costs, highest level of service.
As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

Townstone Financial has more products for home purchases, refinances, home equity line, home equity loans, reverse mortgages, down payment assistance, and more! Low rates, top-notch services, and Barry and Zach (what more could you ask for?)
Don't settle for any other mortgage company when you can be working with the BEST!

As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/

You should ALWAYS be vigilant when browsing the internet, but today is April Fool’s, so you should probably wait until tomorrow for confirmation if you hear about something that doesn’t pass the smell test.
Mortgage rates start the week higher along with treasury yields while equities fall. Gold is breaking records, currently trading at over $2,200 per ounce.
Announcing a NEW segment: “This or That: Barry Vs. Zach” where we’ll argue opposing sides on everything from future interest rates to movies and politics. It’ll be one place on the show where we’ll find absolutely no common ground!
As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/